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[mypony89]

I recently adopted a 1/2 German Shephard 1/2 rottwaller named Eran from the humane society and the previous owner must have abused her because everytime I try to pet her she will back away like she's afraid of getting hit. Everytime I tell her to "come" she will "low crawl" up to me and then roll over in a submissive position. Everytime I get near her she will go to another place. I haven't done anything but apparently there is some kinda connection that was broken. I adopted another dog from the humane society earlier in the year and didn't have this problem. Eran does have a problem with eliminating in the house but the problem gets worse when you go up to her to pet her and she messes, I don't know whym, or when she has already messed the area and you go to tell her "no" she'll mess again because shes afraid I'm going to get hit. I don't know what to do to get her to trust me. I spent all day outside with her today and I don't feel like I made any progress. She gets along with my other dog just fine. I can't even find a way to play with Eran. Everytime I try to "ruff house" with her and get anywhere close to her neck she'll stiffen and snip at me. It doesn't frighten me as I've been around dogs most of my life but I don't know how to stop it. PLEASE HELP! Thank you.

[Sweet72947]

How recently was she adopted? It can take a long time for some shy dogs to warm up to their new owners. I volunteer at a rescue shelter, and we've had a lot of shy/abused dogs come through our doors. They exhibit the behavior you describe, some with or without the fear biting. They all come around eventually, some take weeks and others take months. All I can recommend is patience and understanding. Take things slow. The "messing" is submissive urination, and she does that because she's terrified.

One thing you can do is sit on the floor with your back to her and toss her yummy treats. She might decide to come up and sniff you. If she does, toss another treat. No sudden moves, talk happily in a high voice. This can help teach her that you are a good thing. Just take it one day at a time. Good luck!

[mypony89]

Thanks for the advise, I'll give it a try today. I adopted her 2 days ago. I spent some more time with her after I posted the message and then left for a few hours then came back home. When I came back home she seemed to be happy to see me, even jumping up to the gate. The only thing I'm really still concerned about is correcting her after she eliminates. I fear that by correcting her, especially with her and I being new to each other and her previous owner abusing her it might make her fear me even more thereby creating more submissive urination.

[BostonBanker]

The only thing I'm really still concerned about is correcting her after she eliminates. I fear that by correcting her, especially with her and I being new to each other and her previous owner abusing her it might make her fear me even more thereby creating more submissive urination.


I had some minor issues with this when I first got Meg; although I don't think she was ever abused, she is very soft and sensitive to any correction. I can not EVER correct her for having "accidents" - either of the submissive variety or just because she picked the wrong place. It makes everything worse - more submissive peeing, she shuts down and won't come near me. The submissive peeing she got over very quickly; I wouldn't be surprised if she did it again if someone yelled at her, but she never does it on greeting now. Every once in a while, she will go somewhere like the training center (not really indoors/not really outdoors), and although I'd prefer she didn't go there, I have to just shut up and then clean it up.

Dogs like that can be very frustrating, but I promise it is all worthwhile once you see them starting to come around and feel comfortable.

[Maxy24]

you should never correct a dog that submissive urinates, it's not really necessary anyway and will not help matters at all. Just make sure she gets a treat (a GOOD treat) for eliminating outside and try your very best to prevent any accidents inside. If she is looking like she is going to go in the house put her leash on and bring her outside (fast, and make sure you brought that treat, try to always have some in your pocket for potty emergencies) and praise her when she goes. In the mean time make sure you socialize her well and desensitize her (SLOWLY) to the things that frighten her. Don't try to comfort her when she is scared either or she will think that is what she is supposed to do, praise her when she does something with confidence. She's brand new so it will take some time. Once she is comfortable with you you can really get to work on making sure she is comfortable with everything else. For hand to head shyness I have seen people slowly bring their hands toward the dog until it's like a foot away from his head, then stop the hand there and give a treat and verbal praise. Do that until the hand does not bother the dog. Continue doing this bringing the hand closer and closer. When she is finally completely comfortable with you slowly bringing your hand to her head (and petting her) you can start again but speed up the movement of your hand (not too fast too son though) until you can get your hand to a fast speed (that will resemble hitting although you slow down before you reach her head) without her reacting negatively. This will take a long time.

Each day get her used to being touched, when she is relaxed and sleepy go sit with her and pet her. Start at her head then work down her neck, chest, front legs, front paws, back up to chest, torso, back, hips, down both back legs, both back paws and finally tail. make it like a massage, gentle and soothing using a gentle calm voice telling her how good she is. If at any point she seems stressed or angered note where you are touching and remember it. Once you find her problem spots you can work on them by choosing the spot for that session then gently (almost like your not even touching her) go over the spot with your hand and give her a treat for being good. Do this and over time apply a little more pressure, give a treat each time. Eventually you will be able to handle all of her.

For now don't rough play with her, stick to toys. See if she will fetch or play with any toys. Maybe she would get into stuff like tracking a treat you hide or hiding yourself and calling her to you and see if she can find you, then give her a treat when she does. She'll come around just wait a while she must have been through a lot :(

[mypony89]

On and slightly off the subject, is there a way to make a dog pee. I've never seen this dog urinate, outside that is and I was with her all day today watching. I didn't know if they made medicines for that or if there was something I could do to help her urinate.

[Zoom]

Are you sure she's drinking enough? Also, some dogs will hold their pee in unti they feel comfortable. However, since she is having accidents inside and submissive peeing, she will go. She just needs to get the idea that outside is the proper place for it and not the living room. This will come with time and consistancy. Also, get some Nature's Miracle to clean up where she does pee inside so it doesn't retain a scent marker and encourage her to go there again.

She does sound like a very submissive dog, whether because of a previous owner or just basic personality, you are going to have to be 10 times more patient and gentle than most people with their dogs.

Good luck!